Convertible top for boats and the like

ABSTRACT

The top includes a pair of inverted generally U-shaped main frame members pivoted at their lower ends to slides mounted along opposite sides of the boat for translational movement in a fore and aft direction. Each frame member carries an auxiliary generally U-shaped frame member, the auxiliary and main frame members upstanding from the boat in respective fore and aft directions and supporting along their upper ends a flexible convertible top. The stern portion of the boat pivotally mounts an engine housing cover. Below the cover is a ledge which extends transversely between opposite sides of the boat. To store the top, the auxiliary frames are folded onto the main frames and one or both main frames are longitudinally translated so that the frames lie next adjacent one another. With the stern cover pivoted up, the frames can be pivoted downwardly to lie in a generally horizontal plane and such that the folded flexible cover and base portions of the frames rest on the transversely extending ledge. The stern cover is then pivoted downwardly to overlie the ledge and close the engine compartment.

United States Patent 1191 Miller. i

[ CONVERTIBLE TOP FOR BOATS AND THE LIKE [75] Inventor: Lester Miller, Topeka, Ind.

[73] Assignee: Bangor Punta Operations, Inc.,

Greenwich, Conn.

[22] Filed: Apr. 23, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 353,290

52 us. (:1. 9/1 R, 135/6 Primary Examiner--Trygve M. Blix Assistant Examiner-Sherman D. Basinger [in 3,823,431 [451 July 16, 1974 [5 7 ABSTRACT The top includes a pair of inverted generally U-shaped main frame members pivoted at their lower ends to slides mounted along opposite sides of the boat for translational movement in a fore and aft direction. Each frame member carries an auxiliary generally U- shaped frame member, the auxiliary and main frame members upstanding from the boat in respective fore and aft directions and supporting along their upper ends a flexible convertible top. The stem portion of the boat pivotally mounts an engine housing cover. Below the cover is a ledge which extends transversely between opposite sides of the boat. To store the top, the auxiliary frames are folded onto the main frames and one or both main frames are longitudinally translated so that the frames lie next adjacent one another. With the stern cover pivoted up, the frames can be pivoted downwardly to lie in a generally horizontal plane and such that the folded flexible cover and base portions of the frames rest on the transversely extending ledge. The stem cover is then pivoted downwardly to overlie the ledge and close the engine compartment. 1

8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEU JUL 1 61974 samanra CONVERTIBLE TOP FOR BOATS AND THE LIKE The present invention relates to a convertible top for vehicles and particularly relates to a convertible top for boats and the like which is readily and easily folded and moved between erected operative and stored positions.

Many different types of tops for vehicles and particu larly boats have been proposed and constructed in the past. Convertible tops which are rigid in nature have not proved practical in the past particularly for use on boats. This is due to the inherent lack of storage area for such tops aboard a boat and the difficulties encountered in locating the top in its erected operative position and removing and storing the top. Convertiblesoft type tops have, however, proved practical. Such flexible tops are usually either totally removable from the boat when in their erected position for folding and storage in some convenient storage area on the boat or pivotal to a folded position with'the top remaining secured to the boat ready for erection back to its operative position. It willbe readily appreciated that storage space aboard a boat is generally not available without a breakdown of the top and its frame whereby it occupies a smaller area than when in actual use. Notwithstanding the capability of the top to be folded, it still occupies a considerable amount of space aboard the boat and which space is rendered otherwise unusable. For example, a top of the type disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,195,549, remains exposed when folded and obstructs access to other areas of the boat and outwardly of the boat. Moreover,-such exposed tops are unsightly and subject the top to deterioration caused by weather and water as well as other damage merely because the top is exposed and in the way.

The present invention provides a convertible top for vehicles and particularly a convertible soft top for boats and the like which eliminates and/or minimizes the foregoing and other problems associated with prior convertible tops for vehicles and boats and provides a novel and improved convertible soft top for boats and the like having various advantages in construction, and mode of use in comparison with such prior tops. To this end, the present invention provides a convertible top having a frame comprised of inverted generally U- shaped main frame members pivotally connected at their lower ends to slides which are, in turn, mounted for translational movement in the fore and aft directions in guide slots formed along opposite sides of the boat. Intermediate the legs of .each main frame member, there is pivotally mounted an auxiliary inverted generally U-shaped frame member. A soft flexible top is secured at spaced positions therealong to the laterally extending base portions of the main and auxiliary frame membersto provide a cover for the boatwhen the top lies in an erected operative position. When the top is erected, the main frames upstand from opposite side of the boat and incline in an aft direction from their pivot points while the auxiliary frames upstand from the main frames and incline from their pivot points in a forward direction. The flexible top includes snap type fasteners along its forward edges for releasablysecuring the top to the forward windshield. The V flexible top also carries lines along its opposite sides and which lines can be secured to the stern portion of the boatto tension the top over the bases of the frame members and thereby maintain the top in position overlying the boat cockpit. When the top is erected, the slides are locked against longitudinal movement. Adjacent a stern portion of the boat, there is provided a pivoted cover for the engine compartment. This cover carries the seat and back side portions of a pair of seats as well as a central outwardly projecting hood separating the seats laterally one from the other. The hood overlies the engine when the housing cover is pivoted to its normal position. A ledge extends between opposite sides of the boat below the engine compartment cover for supporting the flexible top and frame members when the convertible top is stored below the engine cover.

To store the top, the flexible cover is unsnapped from the forward windshield and the aft lines are released whereby the top is secured solely to the main and auxiliary frame members. The auxiliary frame members are then folded onto the main frame members with the flexible top portions therebetween being folded between the members. The main frame members are then longitudinally displaced along their guides toward one another with the flexible top therebetwe'en being folded. Once the frame members lie adjacent one another with the major portion of the flexible legs folded therebetween, they are pivoted downwardly into a generally horizontal position. With the engine comparb ment-cover pivoted upwardly, the frame members and flexible topare then translated or moved longitudinally in the aft direction such that the top and base portions of the frame members overlie the ledge above the engine compartment The engine compartment cover is then pivoted downwardly to overlie the base portions of the frame members and the entirety of the flexible cover secured thereto. The legs of the frame members extend forwardly along the gunwales of the boat in generally out of the way positions. To raise the top, the foregoing steps are reversed.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved convertible soft top for boats and the like and which top is readily and easily moved between erected operative and storage positions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved convertible soft top for boats and the like wherein the top can be both pivoted downwardly and translated in a longitudinal direction into its stored position.

It is still anotherobject of the present invention to provide a novel and improved convertible soft top for boats and the like and which top can be readily and easily maneuvered between the erected operative and stored positions in a minimum of time.

These and other objects and advantages of the pres ent invention will become more apparent upon reference to the following specification, appended claims and drawings wherein: I

FIG. 1 is'a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view substantially along the centerline'of a boat illustratinga convertible top therefor constructed in accordance with the present invention and in a stored posi- Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1 and 4, there is illustrated a vehicle, for example a boat, generally indicated on which is mounted a convertible top constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated 12. Boat 10 includes a hull 13, a cockpit 14, a windshield 16 which also extends about the sides of the boat, and an engine compartment 18 in the stern portion 20 of boat 10. Except for the elements hereof forming a part of the convertible top and elements of the boat which cooperate with the top to facilitate its movement between erected and stored positions and to provide a storage area therefor, the boat 10 is otherwise per se conventional and further description thereof is not believed necessary.

The convertible top 12 includes a pair of inverted generally U-shaped tubular frames 22 and 24, respectively. The lower ends of the legs of frames 22 and 24 are curved as indicated at 25 and 27, respectively and are pivotally connected to slides 26 and 28. Intermediate the ends of the legs of main frame member 22 and 24 are pivotally mounted auxiliary inverted generally U-shaped supports or frames 30 and 32, respectively. A soft flexible top or cover 34 is secured to the frame members 22, 24, 30 and 32 in any suitable manner such that, when the convertible top lies in'an erected operative position, the soft flexible cover 34 extends from the aft frame member 22 over the base portions of frame members 30, 24, 32 and terminates in a forward flap for securement to the forwardly facing windshield. It will be appreciated that soft cover 34 has a plurality of releasable snap type fasteners, not shown, secured along its forward edge and which fasteners cooperate with mating fastener parts on the windshield whereby cover 34 can be releasably secured to the forwardmost portion of the windshield. Cover 34 curves laterally about the juncture of the legs and the base of the U- shaped frame members. The sides of the cover, however, lie adjacent the base portions of the frames leaving the sides of the frames open. The securement between the cover 34 and the frame members can be any suitable type of securement, for example loops 36 which releasably engage about the base portions of the frame members. Cover 34 also includes aft lines 38 which are secured to suitablecleats on the stern portion of the boat. It will be appreciated that the cover can be tensioned from the forward windshield along the frame members by tightening lines 38.

Slides 26 and 28 are secured for translational movement in a fore and aft direction in guides 40 and 42, respectively. The guides comprise elongated slots, for example, key ways. The slides 26 and 28 also carry suitable connecting means whereby the frame members can be locked in selected positions along the slots 40 and 42. For example, the slides may carry screws which carry bearing members for clamping the slides against longitudinal movement along the guides.

In the stern portion of the boat, there is provided an engine compartment 44 housing an engine 46. The sides of the engine compartment are defined by partitions 48 which have upper and lower generally horizontal edges 50 and 51, respectively and an inclined edge 52. The front of the engine compartment is closed in part by a transversely extending support 54. A pair of brackets 56 are secured to opposite sides of the boat above the side partitions 48. The brackets 56 support a ledge 58 which extends transversely between the opposite sides of the boat and overlies engine 46.

An engine compartment cover generally indicated 60 is provided. The cover is pivoted along its aft edge at 62 and is comprised of an upper wall 64, an inclined wall 66 extending downwardly from wall 64, and a generally horizontal wall 68 secured to the lower end of inclined wall 66. The inclined walls 66 are separated one from the other by a central hood 70 which overlies the portion of the engine projecting outwardly beyond walls 66 and 68 when cover 60 lies in a closed position as illustrated in FIG. 2. Hood 70 is provided with a handle 72 whereby cover 60 can be raised and lowered as desired. On opposite sides of the hood 70, the horizontal walls 68 and inclined walls 66 cooperate to form a pair of seats on opposite sides of the boat and hood 70. Thus, when cover 60 is closed, it overlies the engine 46, ledge 58 and cooperates with the side partitions 48 and front wall 54 to enclose the remaining portions of the engine compartment. It will also be appreciated that when the cover is closed, there is provided a storage space for top 12 above ledge 58 and below the top wall 64 of cover 60.

Assuming it is desired to remove top 10 from its position illustrated in FIG. 4 and store it, the forward edge of the cover 34 is unsnapped from the forward windshield and lines 38are uncleated. Thus, the top is free of connection with the boat except for its pivotal connection with slides 26 and 28, respectively. The forwardmost auxiliary member 32 can then be pivoted, for example, in a counterclockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 4 such that it overlies the main frame member 24 with the portion of the top 34 between the frame members folded therebetween. The main frame members 22 and 24 can then be moved toward one another or alternative either could be moved toward the other along its associated guide slot 40 or 42 as the case may be whereby the auxiliary frame member 30 can then be rotated, for example, in a counterclockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 1 to overlie the main frame 22 with the top portion between frame members 20 and 30 folded therebetween. The frame members 22 and 24 can then'be located in close juxtaposition one with the other by shifting them in a longitudinal direction along their associated guide slots 40 and 42, respectively. The frames 22 and 24 with the folded top is then pivoted downwardly to obtain a substantially horizontal position with the frame members 32 and 24 overlying and lying parallel to frame members 22 and 30.

With the engine compartment cover 60 pivoted to the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the frame members are moved along guides 40 and 42 such that the base portions thereof and the soft top carried thereby and folded therebetween overlie ledge 58. When moved aft as far as possible, the slides carrying the frame members can be locked in their guides to prevent further longitudinal movement. Cover 60 is then pivoted downwardly to the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 such that the top wall 64 of cover 60 overlies the frame members and the folded soft top 34. The sides of cover 60 are inset at 74 so that the legs of the frame members are received between the inset sides 74 and the sides of the boat.

Consequently, it would be appreciated that the top has been readily and easily disposed in a stored position without its removal from the boat or removal of the cover from the frame. Moreover, this has been accomplished simply by releasing top'34 from its securement with the forward windshield, i.e., by unsnapping a few fasteners, uncleating the lines 38 from the aft portion of the boat, pivoting the frame members downwardly and then sliding them in an aft direction. The flexible top, as well as the major portions of the frame members, are completely hidden from view by the engine compartment cover 60 and the former are, of course, not in an obstructing position.

To raise the top from its stored position to the position illustrated in FIG. 4, the foregoing described steps are reversed. That is, the cover 60 is pivoted to the position illustrated in FIG. 3 and the frame members are moved forwardly along the guides and boat gunwales. Thereafter, the frame members are pivoted upwardly, the frame member 24 is moved forwardly, and the auxiliary frame members are pivoted forwardly whereby the top unfolds and assumes the position illustrated in FIG. 4. The snaps along the folded edge of the top are then secured to the windshield and the lines 38 tied to the aft portion of the boat. The slides 26 and 28 are then secured to the sides of the boat whereby translational movement of the frame members is prevented.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the top, when stored, occupies space previously unused. The top, moreover, is completely out of the way and under cover.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are, therefore, intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimedand desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. In a boat having a hull, opposed side portions, a cockpit, and an engine compartment in the stern portion thereof for housing an engine, a convertible top movable between a first position overlying the cockpit of said boat and a second stored position within the engine compartment, said top including an inverted generally U-shaped frame member and a flexible cover with said cover being secured to said frame member,

means for securing the lower ends of said frame member to the respective opposite sides of said boat for movement in a generally longitudinal direction and for pivotal movement about a transverse axis generally normal to said longitudinal direction, a storage area for said flexible cover and said frame member located within said engine compartment, means for releasably securing said cover to said boat in said first position of said top with said frame member upstanding from the sides of said boat and at least partially supporting said cover, said frame member being movable in said generally longitudinal direction and pivotal'about said axis to obtain a generally reclined position in said storage area when said top is moved from said first position to said second position, means in said storage area for supporting the convertible top in spaced relation to the engine, and an engine compartment cover for enclosing the engine compartment and the storage area.

2. The apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein the pivotal axis of said frame member lies in first and second spaced longitudinal positions along said boat sides when said frame member lies in said upstanding and inclined positions, respectively.

position.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 including a generally inverted U-shaped support having its legs pivotally connected to the respective legs of said frame member, said support in said first position of said top extending angularly from said frame member for partial support of said cover and in said second position of said top lying generally coplanar therewith in said reclined 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said frame member and said support incline in respective aft and forward directions when said top lies in said first position, said frame member and said support being pivotal in an aft direction with said support overlying said frame member when said top lies in said stored position.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said top includes a second inverted generally U-shaped frame'member, said flexible cover being secured to said second frame member, means for securing the lower ends of said second frame member to opposite sides of said boat for movement in a generally longitudinal direction and for pivotal movement about a transverse axis generally normal to said longitudinal direction, said second frame member in said'first position of said top upstanding from the opposite sides of said boat with the pivotal axis thereof in one longitudinal location along said boat, said upstanding second frame providing for at least partial support of said cover in the first position of said top, said second frame member in said second position of said top lying in a generally reclined position with the pivotal axis thereof in another longitudinal location along said boat, said frame members being superposed one 6. T he apparatusaccording to claim 5 including first and second generally U-shaped supports having their legs pivotally connected 'to said first and second frame members, respectively, said supports in saidfirst position of said top extending angularly from the respective frame members and in said second position of said top lying generally coplanar therewith.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 whereinsaid first and second frame members are mounted for movement in the generally longitudinal direction along dis crete guides extending longitudinally along opposite sides of said boat, said guides being vertically spaced one from the other.

8. In a boat having a hull, a cockpit, an engine compartment, a cover for said engine compartment pivotal between first and second positions, and a support member extending transversely of said boat and in part overlying said engine compartment, a convertible top for said boat movable between a first position overlying said cockpit and a second storage position, said top including an inverted generally 'Ushaped frame member and a flexible cover with said flexible cover being secured to said frame member, means for securing the lower ends of said frame member to the respective opposite sides of said boat for movement of said frame member between a position upstanding from said boat at least partially supporting said flexible cover over said cockpit and a reclined position, said upstanding and reclined positions corresponding to respective first and second positions of said top, said. engine compartment cover in said first position thereof providing access to said support member whereby said frame member in its reclined position together with the flexible cover carried thereby rest on said support member, said engine compartment cover in said second position thereof and in the second position of said top overlying said frame member and the flexible cover carried thereby- 

1. In a boat having a hull, opposed side portions, a cockpit, and an engine compartment in the stern portion thereof for housing an engine, a convertible top movable between a first position overlying the cockpit of said boat and a second stored position within the engine compartment, said top including an inverted generally U-shaped frame member and a flexible cover with said cover being secured to said frame member, means for securing the lower ends of said frame member to the respective opposite sides of said boat for movement in a generally longitudinal direction and for pivotal movement about a transverse axis generally normal to said longitudinal direction, a storage area for said flexible cover and said frame member located within said engine compartment, means for releasably securing said cover to said boat in said first position of said top with said frame member upstanding from the sides of said boat and at least partially supporting said cover, said frame member being movable in said generally longitudinal direction and pivotal about said axis to obtain a generally reclined position in said storage area when said top is moved from said first position to said second position, means in said storage area for supporting the convertible top in spaced relation to the engine, and an engine compartment cover for enclosing the engine compartment and the storage area.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the pivotal axis of said frame member lies in first and second spaced longitudinal positions along said boat sides when said frame member lies in said upstanding and inclined positions, respectively.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 including a generally inverted U-shaped support having its legs pivotally connected to the respective legs of said frame member, said support in said first position of said top extending angularly from said frame member for partial support of said cover and in said second position of said top lying generally coplanar therewith in said reclined position.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said frame member and said support incline in respective aft and forward directions when said top lies in said first position, said frame member and said support being pivotal in an aft direction with said support overlying said frame member when said top lies in said stored position.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said top includes a second inverted generally U-shaped frame member, said flexible cover being secuRed to said second frame member, means for securing the lower ends of said second frame member to opposite sides of said boat for movement in a generally longitudinal direction and for pivotal movement about a transverse axis generally normal to said longitudinal direction, said second frame member in said first position of said top upstanding from the opposite sides of said boat with the pivotal axis thereof in one longitudinal location along said boat, said upstanding second frame providing for at least partial support of said cover in the first position of said top, said second frame member in said second position of said top lying in a generally reclined position with the pivotal axis thereof in another longitudinal location along said boat, said frame members being superposed one over the other in said second position of said top.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5 including first and second generally U-shaped supports having their legs pivotally connected to said first and second frame members, respectively, said supports in said first position of said top extending angularly from the respective frame members and in said second position of said top lying generally coplanar therewith.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said first and second frame members are mounted for movement in the generally longitudinal direction along discrete guides extending longitudinally along opposite sides of said boat, said guides being vertically spaced one from the other.
 8. In a boat having a hull, a cockpit, an engine compartment, a cover for said engine compartment pivotal between first and second positions, and a support member extending transversely of said boat and in part overlying said engine compartment, a convertible top for said boat movable between a first position overlying said cockpit and a second storage position, said top including an inverted generally U-shaped frame member and a flexible cover with said flexible cover being secured to said frame member, means for securing the lower ends of said frame member to the respective opposite sides of said boat for movement of said frame member between a position upstanding from said boat at least partially supporting said flexible cover over said cockpit and a reclined position, said upstanding and reclined positions corresponding to respective first and second positions of said top, said engine compartment cover in said first position thereof providing access to said support member whereby said frame member in its reclined position together with the flexible cover carried thereby rest on said support member, said engine compartment cover in said second position thereof and in the second position of said top overlying said frame member and the flexible cover carried thereby. 